KL bans Europe livestock

KL bans Europe livestock

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia has banned the import of livestock, meat, milk and milk products from Europe to prevent foot-and-mouth disease, the Department of Veterinary Services said on Friday.

"Only milk and milk products from regions which are free from (foot-and-mouth) are allowed to be imported," the department said in a statement.

Malaysia is the latest in a string of countries banning imports of certain products from Europe in a bid to try to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Malaysia said passengers arriving directly from London would have to undergo a disinfection foot bath.

The authorities have also imposed a double heat-treatment measure for all milk and its products.

The department said Malaysia has been free of foot-and-mouth disease since February 2000.

"In the past five Years, the outbreak only happened when there was cattle brought from neighboring countries," it said.